Significant differences when using creatinine, modification of diet in renal disease, or cystatin C for estimating glomerular filtration rate in ICU patients
2011
Discussion on GFR Markers in ICU Patients
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): Anders Larsson
Primary Institution: Uppsala University
Hypothesis
The study questions the reliability of creatinine and cystatin C as GFR markers in ICU patients.
Conclusion
The differences between creatinine and cystatin C estimates of GFR are significant, and further studies are needed to compare these with exogenous GFR markers.
Supporting Evidence
- Both creatinine and cystatin C are widely used to estimate kidney function in ICU patients.
- Inflammation may affect cystatin C levels, but it is unclear how this impacts GFR estimation.
- The authors found no studies comparing creatinine or cystatin C with exogenous GFR markers in ICU patients.
Takeaway
Doctors are trying to figure out the best way to measure kidney function in very sick patients, but the tests they use might not be very accurate.
Limitations
The commentary acknowledges the lack of studies comparing endogenous and exogenous GFR markers in ICU patients.
Participant Demographics
ICU patients with acute kidney injury.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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